Tariqul Islam, a ride-share driver in Bangladesh, faces long fuel lines due to supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran. This has sharply cut his income, making it hard to survive in Dhaka. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported fuel, is grappling with an energy crisis affecting daily life and economic growth. Governments across Asia face similar challenges as rising energy prices lead to inflation and higher operating costs. The World Bank warns of slower growth and increased inflation in Bangladesh. The garment industry, a key economic sector, is also struggling with rising costs and slowing exports.

Hiring was better than the 65,000 forecasters had expected, though it decelerated from the 185,000 jobs created in March.